Kauai opens public pre-K classroom at King Kaumualii Elementary

King Kaumualii Elementary in Lihue is now offering a public pre-K classroom as part of the state’s Ready Keiki initiative, marking the fifth of Kauai’s nine public elementary schools to add publicly funded early learning. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke visited the new classroom on Jan. 15 alongside Senate president Ronald D. Kouchi as state leaders highlighted the program’s role in expanding access to preschool for island families.

“Expanding public pre-K on Kauai is about giving our keiki a strong start while also supporting working families with early learning options close to home and work,” Luke said. “Ready Keiki reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and making pre-K a reality for every ohana.” Since Ready Keiki launched in 2023, the state says it has opened more than 80 classrooms through the Executive Office on Early Learning Public Pre-Kindergarten Program.

Local demand drove the expansion, officials said, particularly in Lihue where many working families live. “For many years, Kauai families have voiced the need for more early learning options, and it’s encouraging to see that need being met,” Kouchi said. “The Legislature has been proud to support the expansion of public pre-K and the commitment of Ready Keiki so more of our keiki can learn and thrive.”

On Kauai, the EOEL Public Pre-K Program now operates classrooms at Eleele Elementary, Kapaa Elementary, Kekaha Elementary, Kilauea Elementary and King Kaumualii Elementary. Each classroom serves up to 20 children ages 3 and 4, with enrollment accepted year-round. Priority for seats is given to children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and those in other at-risk circumstances. Families seeking enrollment or to join a waitlist are directed to earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.

Expanding public pre-K on Kauai addresses several community concerns: it increases affordable childcare options for working parents, supports developmental and health outcomes for young children, and targets resources to families facing housing instability or other hardships. For a rural island community where transportation and job schedules can complicate access to care, placing classrooms in neighborhood schools can reduce barriers and keep families connected to school-based services.

Policy leaders emphasized that the program’s growth depends on sustained funding, classroom space, and qualified early childhood educators. The Ready Keiki expansion reflects a statewide push to integrate early learning into public systems, but continued attention will be needed to meet demand across the island and to ensure classrooms are accessible to those most in need.

For Kauai families, the addition at King Kaumualii means another nearby option for preschool-age keiki and a small step toward broader equity in early education across the county. Residents should consult earlylearning.ehawaii.gov to apply or join waitlists and to monitor future openings as the program grows.